Gear
The Bed – Equipment Debate Part 3
Do those two ever agree? After 39 years of sleeping next to each other every night, we are used to being in each other's space. But sleeping on a cold,...
Sophia (Wheelz) Garber’s 2021 Appalachian Trail Gear List
Another gear list? Of course. Because who doesn't love a good gear list? We're particularly loving Sophia (Wheelz) Garber's gear breakdown, especially considering she recently finished her
10 Ways to Deal with the Cold if You Start the AT in February
Starting your AT thru-hike in February is a unique, incredible experience. However, you are likely to encounter plenty of winter weather, which can be intimidating at best and life-threatening at
The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2021 Thru-Hiker Survey
Each year here at The Trek, we ask long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) about the sleeping systems they used on their 2021 Thru hike. This post will cover...
Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2021 Thru-Hiker Survey
Each year here at The Trek, we survey long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) on the shelter systems they use. In this post we’ll cover the trends from the...
The Best and Worst Gear from My 2021 AT Thru-Hike (Non-Ultralight and Petite-Friendly)
I am 5'1", 100 pounds soaking wet, and definitely not an ultralighter. I have nothing against ultralighters, but for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike this year, I was not among their...
2020 Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Survey: Resources and Gear
Long overlooked in our annual surveys, Appalachian Trail (AT) section hikers were the focus of the Trek's 2020 survey. We surveyed 448 people, 43 of whom had completed the entire...
Appalachian Trail Gear Review for 2021 Thru-hike
Most of my gear to be consolidated into the red pack. Gear Review for 2021 With all the gear I have accumulated over the last nine months, it made sense...
We All Have Demons, Get Ready to Face Them or Your Pre-Hike Reading List
Why Are You Hiking the AT? - the question we can't fully answer. The most common question that is asked of anyone before they leave for a thru-hike is “Why?”...
Appalachian Trail Gear List for Older Hikers (Beginner-Friendly)
Meet my stepmom, Nora. She’s loved hiking all her life and has dreamed about hiking the Appalachian Trail since she was in her 20s. Now at the age of 60...